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tv   International Programming  CSPAN  December 12, 2012 7:00am-7:30am EST

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committee. you can watch that live beginning at 2:15 p.m. eastern. >> and now to london for prime minister's question time live from the british house of commons. every wednesday while parliament is in session prime minister david cameron takes questions from members of the house of congress. prior to question time the house is wrapping up other business. this is live coverage on c-span2. >> how our aid money is being spent. we also had to take decisions and i think we will see -- [inaudible] >> questions to the prime minister. >> thank you, mr. speaker. number one, sir. >> thank you, mr. speaker. this morning i had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others, and in addition to my duties in this house i shall have further such meetings later today. >> mr. speaker, and my transport
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confirm the fallen youth unemployment figures is the largest since records began? >> and will he meet with me to discuss how employment opportunities, including youth employment, can be promoted still further? >> i'd be delighted to meet with my honorable friend to discuss the economic situation of business situation, but he's right, this morning's figures show the largest fall in youth unemployment on record. 72000 fewer people unemployed this quarter. the figures, there's no room for complacency. there are still far to me people on long-term unemployment at in these figures weakens the 40,000 more people in work. vacancies are up. i'm employment is down by 82000, and the claimant count is down. over 1 million extra private sector jobs under this government. [shouting] >> ed miliband. [shouting] >> mr. speaker -- mr. speaker,
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today's fall in unemployment and rise in employment is welcomed. [cheers and applause] >> part of the challenge remains with some high level of long-term unemployment. does the prime minister agree that remain a fundamentally important not just for the people are out of work, of the country as a whole? >> i absolutely do agree as a mention in my first answer that long-term unemployment remains high. the good news about the figures today is that long-term youth unemployment is actually down by 10,000 this quarter, so that is encouraging. but long-term unemployment for others is still a problem. that's why the work program in getting the work program right is so important. clearly there's more to do. i welcome his tone not least because he said on the 18th of january adequate, over the next year unemployment will get worse, not better under his policies. perhaps you would like to
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withdraw that? [shouting] >> mr. speaker, i'm glad the prime minister recognized a long-term unemployment is still a challenge. i want to ask about the people who are doing the right thing and finding work. last week in his statement the chancellor decided to cut tax credit and benefit. he said it was -- with the curtains drawn that would be affected. can the prime minister tell us how many of those hits are actually in work? >> the fact is this, that welfare -- [shouting] >> welfare needs to be controlled, and everyone, everyone who is on tax credit will be affected by these changes because we have to get on top of the welfare bill. that is why we are restricting the increase on out of work benefits, and it's also the reason why we are restricting in work benefits. but what we've also done is increased the personal allowance because on this side of the house we believe in cutting
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people's taxes when they are in work. >> ed miliband. >> he is raising the taxes of people in work, and, of course, he didn't answer the question. the answer is despite the impression given by the chancellor of the exchequer, there's over 60% of those affected are in work. it's a factory worker on the night shift, it's they care who looks after the elder people around the clock and the cleaner who cling the chancellor's office while his curtains are still drawn and he is still in bed. [cheers and applause] >> the chancellor called them -- what does the prime minister the prime minister call them? >> he just said that we are not cutting taxes for people in work. someone who was on the minimum wage who works full-time will see their income tax bill can't by one half under this government. the fact is, the fact is under this government we are saying to
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working people, you can earn another 3000 pounds before you even start paying income tax. that is why we have taken 2 million people out of tax altogether. he should be welcoming that, because this is the party for people to work. his is the party for unlimited welfare. [shouting] >> mr. speaker, of course he just is wrong on the detail. the institute for fiscal studies said quite clearly that on average, working families are 534 pounds a year worse off under a result of his policy. now, i know he wants to get away from what the chancellor of the exchequer said last week and we know what the chancellor is going to do. he was trying to play divide and rule. this is what he said. he said his changes, and i quote, are all about people, and i quote, living a light on
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benefit, still asleep while their neighbors go out to work. but mr. speaker, it turned out it just wasn't true. it is a tax on -- will the prime minister now admit the chancellor got it wrong and the majority of people hit are working people? [shouting] >> he says that we haven't got the detail right. we know, we know his approach to detail is to -- and to accept it without reading it. that's his approach to detail. specifically, specifically on the institute of fiscal -- i'm surprised the shadow chancellor is shouting again. i'm surprised he shouting again this week. because we learned last week, we learned last week like always all over the world he can dish it out but he can't take it [shouting] >> -- like bullies all over the
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world. >> he never learns. he never learns. the biggest -- >> order, order. i want to hear -- order. i want to hear the prime minister's answer. order. [shouting] >> let's hear him. let's hear him. mr. prime minister. >> the specific answer the leader -- he mentioned the institute for fiscal studies figure. they do not include the personal allowance increase put through in the budget. they do not include the universal credit changes which come in next year which will help the working poor more than anything. but the fact he cannot get away with under this government we are lifting the personal allowance, taking millions out of tax, we are standing up for those who were. he only stands up for those who claim a. [shouting] >> ed miliband. >> i've heard everything when the boy from the club lectures people on bullying.
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[shouting] absolutely extraordinary. have you read your restaurant recently? [shouting] now, look, he doesn't want to talk about the fact so let's give him another one. he's hitting the working family, and the richest people in our society will be getting a massive tax cut next april. an average of 107,000 pounds each for people earning 1 million pounds. mr. speaker, is the prime minister the only person left in the country who can't see the fundamental adjustment of giving huge tax cuts to the richest while punishing those in work on the lowest pay? >> a tax rate for the richest under this government will be higher in every year than it was for any year when he was in government. and he's got a short memory
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because i explained to him last week that under his plans more than 50 p. tax rate, millionaires paid 7 million pounds less in tax than they did previously. the point of raising taxes is to pay for public services. we are raising more money for the rich, but what he's really so profoundly wrong is the choice that he is decided to make. because the facts, over the last five years people in work have seen their incomes go up by 10%. people out of work have seen their incomes go up by 20%. at a time when people accept a pay freeze can we should not be massively increasing benefits. if that is what he wants to do, and i have to say to him, a party that is the streets about controlling welfare isn't serious about controlling the deficit either. [shouting] >> mr. ed miliband. >> for the first time his agenda claims to be robbing the. i really don't think that's going to work. he's not taking from the richest and giving to everybody else. and didn't that and didn't the
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business secretary give it away? this is what he said about the autumn statement. he said this, what happened was some other donors, very wealthy people stamped their feet. so they scrapped the mansion tax and went ahead with a 15 p. tax cut. mr. speaker, they look after their friends. the people on the christmas card list, and meanwhile, they meet people they never meet and whose lives they will never understand. [shouting] >> his donors put him where he is, pay him every year. but it's perfectly clear, it is perfectly clear, mr. speaker, what the labour party's choice is. their choice is more benefits, paid for by more borrowing. they should listen to the labour trade minister who said this, you know what you call a system of government where what you do is say, oh, we are in trouble,
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we'll will go and borrow and give it to people. it's called greece. that is whether trade minister said. they are not serious about welfare. they're not serious about the deficit. they are not a serious party, and everyone can see it. >> thank you very much, mr. speaker. will the prime minister join me as i'm sure the whole house in sending our condolences to a nurse who died this week? in urging anyone who said support families, and urging the press to continue their largely good record in preserving the privacy of this and as a time of most terrible grief. >> here, here spent i'm indeed sure the whole house and the whole country will join me in paying tribute to this nurse and giving all our sympathies and condolences to her family. she clearly loved her job, love to work, care deeply about the health of her patients and
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what's happened is a complete tragedy. it will be many lessons the need to be learned and i echo what she says about the press keeping their distance and allowing this family the time it is face to greek. >> dennis skinner. >> -- faced to grief. >> is the prime minister still intending to introduce the snoopers charter come euphemistically known as the communications and danger bill? does he realize that he will be spying his government on more people in britain than even all the press barons brought together? [laughter] or did he get -- [inaudible] wasn't his friends down there? [shouting] >> i really believe on this
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issue, i think the honorable gentleman is wrong. i think this is a very, very important issue. i feel the history strongly, as prime minister where you have to take responsibility first and foremost for security, for national security and for peoples safety. and the fact is data communications, this is not the content of a telephone call. it is the fact a phone call took place is used in every single terrorist case, and in almost every single serious crime case. and the question in front of the house of commons and, indeed, the house of lords is simply this. because we currently have that data for -- what are we going to do as it increasingly moves over the internet? we can't stand here and did nothing and not update the law. the consequence of doing that will be fewer crimes solved, fewer terrorists brought to justice. i do not want to be the prime minister that puts that country into this position. >> the government's proposal on
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judicial review conflict with article 29 of magna carta 1297. does the government proposed repeal of magna carta? >> no, i can reassure my honorable friend we don't want to do that. but i'm sure he will understand that -- >> order. i'd like to learn about 1297 from the prime minister. i'm sure i'm about to. >> the point where making is the extent of judicial review has massively increased in recent years, and we think there is a need for some new rules to look at the extent and, indeed, the costs of judicial review so the costs are properly covered. i think in the way we can maintain access to justice but perhaps speed up the wheels of government a little. >> mr. andy slaughter. >> will the prime minister asked a question you asked three times by right honorable friend and dodged a few moments ago? will he come from the majority of households who will be hit by the real term of benefits and tax credit are working
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households? >> the point i made is even bigger. everyone, everyone on working tax credits would be affected by the fact we are increasing them by 1%. the fact is we have the control welfare to do with the massive deficit we were left by the party opposite. and there's a choice in politics. you can either control welfare bills or you can say, no to a welfare check, no to a housing benefit cap, no to the control of welfare, borrow, spend and build up our deficit putting us straight back where we came fr from. >> andrew tyrie. [inaudible] >> prime minister would save the government would accept proof from lords and members to make the justice and security bill acceptable on secret courts. but he ended the session by a parent to say that they wouldn't accept those benefits. could you clarify which one it
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is? >> what i said very clearly to the committee yesterday is we want this bill to pass through parliament having listened to the joint committee, having listened to all the excellent points made in the house of lords. and i'm sure we will be making more, listening even more carefully in the house of commons. i think the leader of the opposition is catching the disease of the shadow chancellor of not being able to keep his mouth shut long enough for five seconds. we will listen very carefully. the fundamental -- [shouting] the fundamental choice is to make sure that these proceedings are available to judges and its judge that should make the decision. >> john robertson. >> thank you, mr. speaker. it's safe to say -- [inaudible] any inappropriate technology which puts you in the middle ages. does the prime minister agreed if not, why not? >> we are making serious
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investments in renewable energy. we've set out a regime of subsidy that stretches right out to 2017 and beyond. and that's why the renewable energy capacity of this country has doubled over the last two years under this government. >> will my right honorable friend agree with me and that not only has discovered how to do with the catastrophic budget deficit which will we inherited from the former prime minister, but also as the figures revealed today, a tidal wave of immigration deliberately fostered by the labour government and the concentrate on putting these two on the most important facing this government for the delivery of sigir of the people of this country? >> i think my right honorable friend makes an important point which is that immigration was out of control under the last government. net migration ran over 200,000 a year. that is 2 million across a decade. under the control we put in
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place, net integration has fallen by a quarter in recent years. but it think what is interesting about it is you can have proper control of immigration while also saying to the world, our universities are open to foreign students to come instead here. and as long as they have come as long as they have an english language qualification and a degree place at university there's no limit on the numbers that can come. that is our policy and calling immigration but making sure the best and the brightest come to britain. >> iceland -- [inaudible] according to bloomberg, unemployment is 2.4% lower than the uk's. growth is 2.5% and -- [inaudible] will the prime minister be gracious enough to congratulate iceland for working hard and turning things around
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and maybe he can learn from iceland? >> i think if the case for an independent scotland is make us more like iceland, i'm not sure that will totally recommend itself to the voters. written and iceland have very good relations, and i will make sure that remains to be the ca case. >> could not also welcome the fall and the youth and unemployment were youth unemployed has fallen steadily for the past nine months. and is the lowest since may 2010. but i urge the prime minister took in 10 youth this conference investment into youth contract? >> i'm grateful for the honorable lady's point. we will continue not just for the apprenticeships which reach over 1 million under this government but also the youth contract and particularly work experience because what we are seeing is a large number so people who go into work experience come off benefits, find a job and find it a very good start to a career and a working group which is what want
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to see. >> thank you, mr. speaker. on the day that unemployment in scotland has fallen, is the prime minister as shocked as i am on the date record this week that some job center managers actually encouraging employers to -- [inaudible] will the prime minister defend this practice and ceases immediately speak with the honorable gentleman makes an important point which is what work experience places to be additional places, encouraging more young people to get at least a feel for work so they have a chance of getting a job. it's good he welcomes the fact that employment in scotland is up 27,000 since the election, and under point in scotland has fallen by 19,000 this quarter. we are making progress. >> mr. speaker, with the prime minister join me in welcoming
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the progress that is being made around the country since the autism act 2009 is supporting adults with autism? and following the recent national audit report, we join me in encouraging his ministerial colleague and local authorities across the country to accelerate this progress this year when the untold autism strategy is due to be reviewed? >> first of all, may i be treated to my right honorable friend who was instrumental in getting the landmark autism act 2009 onto the statute book. the impact i believe continues right up to this day and beyond. we want all of those living with autism to be able to live fulfilling and rewarding lives within a society that properly except for them. she's right that the review of the strategy is coming up next year between march and october. it's vital, proper cross government ever. i will make sure this is dealt with in a proper way.
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>> mr. speaker, the great investment bank was due to be given new borrowing powers in three years time. but in view of the chancellors object failures to meet up borrowing target because he was predicated on meeting those borrowing target set by the government, as the prime minister still committed to giving borrowing power to the greek investment bank? and if so, when? >> first of all let me make the point of this government has set up a green investment bank within two years whereas the party opposite did nothing about this for 13 years. the second point i would make is even at a time of fiscal difficulty because of the mess we were left, we put 3 billion pounds of money into this green investment bank, so right now it doesn't need to borrow because it has the money to invest. and i think in green investments what's needed is the equity risk finance and that's exactly what the green investment bank can provide. >> william cached. >> my right honorable friend goes to some of tomorrow.
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has he noticed -- for federalization of euros -- [shouting] the european parliament and only if his apartment of the e.u. ensuring democratic legitimacy for the e.u.? does he agree with this? as he repudiated? and what we say to the others when he goes to summit tomorrow? >> well, i do agree with my honorable friend on this one and not with his president barroso, for this reason. that it is the national parliament that provides the real democratic legitimacy within the european union. when we are discussing banking union, it's at this house that we should account, when we're discussing the union budget it is this house the represent our taxpayers that we should account. and i always bear that in mind when i'm negotiating as it will be tomorrow at the european council. >> can the prime minister confirm the autumn statement reveals the government is now
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borrowing 212 billion pounds more than it previously planned? >> well, i wouldn't take this from the honorable lady if her plans were to borrow even more. the point is, i know that the party opposite was desperately disappointed that the office for budget responsibility predicted that borrowing would come down this year as well as last year. but that is the fact. >> the prime minister has rightly said that we are locked in a global economic raise. does he share my concern that having the highest aviation taxes in the world makes it harder for businesses to compete, and increases the cost of living? will he ask the treasure to conduct a thorough review of whether this tax cost more than it brings in? >> i very much understand the point my honorable friend makes, and i get lobbied of regularly by countries around the world,
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particularly commonwealth countries, about their passenger duty. we don't have any plans to commission further response research at this point because we just completed a very thorough consultation. despite the challenge of the budget deficit, we have limited the rise of add to inflation over the period 2010-11 to 2012, 13. so rates have only increased around a pound for the majority of passengers. but there might very carefully what he says. >> the autumn statement does include a cut, child poverty is the result. [inaudible] >> could he tell the house whether he really believes this policy will increase or reduce child poverty? >> we want to see a genuine and lasting reduction in child policy, and i think we need to have policies that address not only what the people are just above or just below the poverty
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line, but policies that address the causes of poverty. what is it the traps people into poverty? will of course not enough money as she says is part of it. not enough jobs is another and that's why today's news on unemployment is a welcomed. we need to do is look at all the things the trap people on unemployment which include things like drug and alcohol abuse, family breakdown, as well as unemployment. >> mr. speaker, as my right honorable friend knows, plymouth is a global leader in marine science engineering research. i very much welcome the initiative by the government to spend more money on our science base, but would my right honorable friend be willing to meet with me, my fellow plymouth members of parliament, and also plymouth businesses to discuss how plymouth might become involved in the small cities super broadband initiative, and help us to rebalance our economy
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and attract private investment? >> i'm very happy to meet with him, and i know that he stands up for a stronger for plymouth ever plymouth economy. he rightly says that on the science budget we made a decision right back at the start of this government to freeze the science budget rather than cut it as so many of the budgets were. i'm sure that was the right answer. since then we've added money back into the science budget. on broadband i will look carefully at what he says about the city broadband. of course, i'm sure he will be glad to know the devil and somerset have been aggregated over 33 million to deliver superfast broadband and we're working very hard to make sure all those plans are on track to deliver the super part broadband is important for cities but also important for world areas as well. >> -- rural areas as well. >> the prime minister and members of this house will be -- [inaudible] the police have stated there's evidence of loyalist parliamentary involved
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in some the protests and violence in northern ireland this week. the second attempted murder of police officers are taking my precinct. will he take this opportunity only to condemn this represents a bold -- [inaudible] and will he agree to meet with me and with my colleague, the justice minister for northern ireland, to discuss the security situation? >> first of all cannot actually join her in condemning the violence that we've seen on the streets of belfast? as she says, in no way are these people being loyal or standing up for british. violence has got absolutely unjustified in those and in other circumstances. i agree completely with what she said about the sickening attack on the police officer, and we should attribute akin to the work of police do on all our behalf but i know the whole house will wish to enjoy and -- join me in -- who themselves
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have been threatened and intimidated over recent days. always happy to meet and talk with members of parliament from northern ireland. >> cheryl murray. >> will my right honorable friend join me in congratulating my two very young entrepreneurs who have taken the initiative to start a cheese company in my constituency? does the prime minister agree that this is just the sort of business initiatives we need to see? >> i'm delighted to join the honorable lady and congratulating the entrepreneurship in her constituency and i'm looking forward to tasting that cheese. although i probably shouldn't for my weight. but she is making an important point, which is the rate of startup of new businesses in this country is at a record high.

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